Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera and DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna led the inauguration of the 1,300-square-meter Sasmuan Linear Park, transforming a river easement into a vibrant public space for recreation and environmental stewardship.
A River Easement Transformed into Community Space
The Sasmuan Linear Park, built along the Caliano River in Barangay Sta. Lucia, represents a successful collaboration between the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reclaim and rehabilitate a 1,300-square-meter river easement . The project supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of building livable, sustainable, and climate-resilient communities under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda . DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized that the initiative demonstrates how river easements can be reclaimed for public benefit, noting that "these easements are being reclaimed so as not to be occupied by informal settlers. In here, everybody should have access and enjoy the park" . The area, which was once open and underutilized, now serves as a public space accessible to all residents.
A Space for Recreation, Fitness, and Family Bonding
For Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera, the linear park has become an important part of community life . "Maraming bagay na naitutulong itong itinayong linear park. Maraming nagzu-zumba, yung mga naglalakad dito, yung nagjo-jogging sila. Saka yung mga bata pag nag-aaral ng lessons, nandito sila," the mayor shared . The facility features concrete walkways, pavilions, picnic areas, and comfort facilities that provide residents with spaces to walk, exercise, gather, and enjoy nature close to home . The park has enhanced the municipality's riverside landscape while preventing informal settlements along the riverbank, contributing to the broader Manila Bay rehabilitation program that has seen 92 out of 94 Central Luzon LGUs meet compliance standards.
A Call for Community Stewardship and Environmental Legacy
The inauguration event also featured seedling distribution and tree-planting activities, highlighting the role of communities in environmental conservation . Mayor Cabrera encouraged residents to take part in keeping public spaces clean and sustainable, reminding them that "ang bawat puno na ating tinatanim ay isang pamana ng pag-asa para sa kinabukasan" (every tree we plant is a legacy of hope for the future) . DENR Secretary Cuna emphasized that environmental protection requires cooperation between government and communities, stating, "Kami ang lead agency pagdating sa environmental protection pero hindi namin kaya kung wala ang tulong ng lahat ng sektor" . The Sasmuan Linear Park stands as an inspiring example of how rehabilitated river easements can create safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities while protecting the environment for future generations .
